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Popular recreational drug "Special K" is illegal. However, new research reveals that "Special K" or Ketamine can significantly reduce depressive symptoms.

Researcher from the University of Hertfordshire noted that the previous studies reveal that the drug could be used pain as well as major and bipolar depression.

After reviewing data from 21 published studies, researchers found that Ketamine significantly reduced depressive symptoms within four hours of administration. The findings are important because no current drug has the same immediate impact. Researcher noted that Ketamine could be effective in treating people who are suicidal.

"The prospect of using Ketamine as an antidepressant is a fascinating one, particularly in terms of its potential for rapidly alleviating depressive symptoms in individuals who haven't responded to more traditional treatments. While conventional antidepressants and psychotherapy may take weeks or months to produce any effect, Ketamine infusions produce benefits within hours," lead researcher Dr. Keith Laws, Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology in the School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire, said in a news release.

"More controlled longer-term follow-up studies are needed before Ketamine can be regarded as a viable intervention for depression, but this research suggests it has exciting potential," Laws concluded.

The findings are published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology.